Longitudinal Research on Officer Careers: 1991 Follow-Up of Initial Survey Findings

Abstract : The purpose of the officer interview project was to enhance understanding of the findings from the Longitudinal Research on Officer Careers (LROC) surveys and to explore new career issues or Army topics of concern to officers that may need to be included in future surveys. In the fall of 1991, individual interviews were conducted with 458 company grade officers attending an Officer Advanced Course (OAC) at one of nine Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) schools representing 11 difference branches. Questionnaires were completed by 276 newly commissioned officers who were attending the Officer Basic Courses (OBC) at these same TRADOC schools. In addition, 106 spouses of OAC officers completed questionnaires. Findings from the OAC interviews indicated that between 35% and 45% wanted to change branches to gain more marketable skills, to more closely match educational backgrounds to their jobs, or to provide challenge and experience in the 'real Army.' Officers felt that the Officer Evaluation/Selection System needed improvement in the way it was used, and gave reasons the system as it is currently used is not discriminating between fair, good, and excellent officers.